Wood Stove Exchange Program

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Home Heating and Air Quality Survey

Thank you to all that have participated in the Home Heating and Air Quality Survey. Congratulations to Felicity Simkins, winner of a $250 Quality Foods gift card. Survey results, once available, will be posted here.

Program Summary

While local air quality is generally good many months of the year, there are times during the winter heating season when fine particulate (PM2.5) levels exceed applicable provincial standards. Recent studies have indicated that a leading source of winter PM2.5 is wood smoke emissions resulting from wood stove use. PM2.5 and other pollutants in wood smoke can have a direct impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health. It is therefore important to reduce wood smoke pollution, and our exposure to it.

To help reduce local wood smoke pollution, the Comox Valley Regional District has rebates available to homeowners in the Comox Valley who are exchanging non-EPA certified wood stoves for a new CSAB415 (EPA-certified) standard wood, pellet or gas heating appliance or electric air-source heat pump. New certified wood-burning appliances burn 30 per cent less wood, significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires, and reduce smoke and fine particulate emissions by up to 70 per cent. Non-cordwood options offer greater convenience, and further reduce (or even eliminate) harmful fine particulate emissions.

Funding support for the Comox Valley wood stove exchange program has been provided by the BC Ministry of Environment, the BC Lung Association & Island Health.

Questions regarding the program can be directed to the CVRD wood stove exchange program coordinator at 250-650-2302 or by email.

Exchanging old wood stoves for cleaner options is only part of the solution. Anyone who heats their home with wood has a responsibility to do so properly. Check out Smart Burning Tips at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a rebate, participants must meet the following requirements:

Registered owner of property within the Comox Valley Regional District (including all municipal and electoral areas)

The home on the property has a non-EPA certified wood burning appliance (built prior to approximately 1994) that is the primary heat source of the home

The old wood stove is removed, decommissioned and recycled (ie. it cannot be re-used in a workshop or garage).

2. The retailer will check your eligibility, and once confirmed, will provide you with a tracking number for your application.3. Ask the retailer about additional rebates from the manufacturer, BC Hydro or Fortis BC. 4. The retailer will work with you to complete your installation, remove and decommission your old stove and complete your rebate application form.5. Get the completed application form from the retailer and submit it to the CVRD in person, by mail or by email. Submission of the completed application form is the responsibility of the applicant, not the retailer.

Option 2: Handle the installation yourself

1. Download the application form.2. Contact the Wood Stove Exchange Coordinator to check your eligibility by calling 250-650-2302. Once eligibility is confirmed, you will be provided a tracking number for your application.3. Complete your installation, ensuring the following supporting documents are kept for submission with your application: